Be cool: Inform your kids the 'Nether Update' for Minecraft just dropped

Working from or spending more time at home, you may now be closer to your kids daily interests. During a pandemic, those may revolve around the minute details of games like Minecraft, Fortnite and others.

Minecraft Nether Update finally released

For weeks now, my kids have been keeping me updated on what the upcoming "Nether Update" for Minecraft 1.16 is going to include. Brilliant marketing by the in-game messages about upcoming features has brought their excitement (ages 9 and 12) to a fever pitch. Netherite, a new ore found only in the dark or "Nether" realm of Minecraft has properties that make it more useful than Diamond. Something I'm told is important.

Regardless of your familiarity with your Minecraft-obsessed kid's favorite game, you have probably heard mention of this "great coming of the update." My eyes gloss over when I hear them go into deep detail about every new feature. But I smile as I watch them light up about something, anything, during an extended lockdown. We've faced many fears during the pandemic, from their loss of schooling (I'm not good at working full-time and homeschooling) to their lack of physical exercise. However, if it's a Minecraft update that trips their trigger, so be it.

One of our longtime favorite YouTubers — yes this is a thing — Stampy Longnose is even live blogging the changes and how they change gameplay. 

I welcome the distraction. It makes it easier to work from home when they have something fun and new to play with. If you have younger kids, try out this Minecraft-themed craft tutorial over on our Kids Gazette section. I may even brave the Nether to be part of their world ... er, later today. Like when I'm done at work!